Ginger Broccoli

Ginger Broccoli Recipe - Vegetarian Chinese Dish

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Ginger broccoli is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of fresh ginger, garlic, and sesame oil with tender broccoli florets. This recipe is a great way to add some Asian-inspired flavors to your meal and is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

History

Ginger broccoli is a popular dish in Asian cuisine, particularly in Chinese and Thai cooking. The combination of ginger and garlic adds a fragrant and savory flavor to the broccoli, making it a favorite among many food enthusiasts.

Ingredients

1 large bunch of broccoli, roughly chopped
1 knob of ginger, minced (approximately 2 inches in size)
2 cloves of garlic, minced
3 tbsp of olive or sesame oil
3 tbsp of oyster sauce
2 tbsp of fish sauce
2 tbsp of chicken broth or water
2 tsp of dry sherry or mirin
juice of half a lemon
chopped green onions
2 tbsp of toasted sesame seeds

How to prepare

Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
Add ginger and garlic, stir for 10 seconds.
Add broccoli and cook until it turns dark green, about 6-10 minutes.
Add sauce and cook for 2 minutes. If it reduces too quickly, add more chicken broth, one tablespoon at a time.
Plate the broccoli.
Squeeze lemon juice over the broccoli and top with a sprinkling of green onions and sesame seeds.
Enjoy!

Variations

Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color.
Substitute soy sauce for oyster sauce for a different flavor profile.
Add a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chop the broccoli into evenly sized florets to ensure even cooking.

- Be careful not to overcook the broccoli, as it can become mushy and lose its vibrant green color.

- Adjust the amount of ginger and garlic to suit your taste preferences.

- Feel free to add other vegetables or protein sources to make this dish a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve ginger broccoli as a side dish with steamed rice or noodles, or as a main dish with grilled chicken or tofu.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the best cooking technique for ginger broccoli, as it allows the flavors to meld together quickly and evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canola oil or vegetable oil instead of sesame oil.

- Substitute hoisin sauce for oyster sauce for a sweeter flavor.

- Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of fish sauce for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can chop the broccoli and mince the ginger and garlic ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve ginger broccoli in a colorful bowl or plate, garnished with fresh cilantro or Thai basil leaves for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Ginger broccoli pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or lo mein noodles. It also goes well with grilled shrimp or beef skewers.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Approximately 150 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Broccoli: 6g of carbohydrates per cup

- Ginger: 2g of carbohydrates per tablespoon

- Garlic: 1g of carbohydrates per clove

Fats

- Sesame oil: 14g of fat per tablespoon

- Oyster sauce: 0g of fat per tablespoon

- Fish sauce: 0g of fat per tablespoon

Proteins

- Broccoli: 3g of protein per cup

- Oyster sauce: 1g of protein per tablespoon

- Fish sauce: 1g of protein per tablespoon

Vitamins and minerals

Broccoli is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate.

- Ginger is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

- Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties and contains vitamins B6 and C.

Alergens

Sesame oil may contain traces of sesame seeds, which can be allergenic to some individuals.

Summary

Ginger broccoli is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense dish that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying delicious flavors.

Summary

Ginger broccoli is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With the fragrant flavors of ginger and garlic, combined with the tender broccoli florets, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was hooked. It was a rainy afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha. She had always been an amazing cook, and I loved spending time in her kitchen, watching her create delicious dishes.

On this particular day, Martha was preparing a meal for her family, and she invited me to join her. As we chatted and chopped vegetables, she suddenly pulled out a small piece of paper from her pocket and handed it to me.

"Here, you have to try this recipe for Ginger Broccoli. It's one of my favorites," she said with a smile.

I eagerly took the paper and read over the ingredients and instructions. The combination of fresh ginger, soy sauce, and garlic sounded absolutely divine. I couldn't wait to give it a try.

As we finished cooking and sat down to enjoy our meal, I took my first bite of the Ginger Broccoli. The flavors exploded in my mouth, and I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

Over the next few weeks, I practiced making the Ginger Broccoli recipe over and over again. I experimented with different amounts of ginger and soy sauce, trying to perfect the balance of flavors. Each time I made the dish, I would think back to that rainy afternoon in Martha's kitchen and smile.

As I continued to cook and refine the recipe, I began to add my own personal touches to it. I found that adding a splash of rice vinegar gave the dish a tangy kick, while a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds added a lovely crunch. I also started to experiment with different types of broccoli, finding that baby broccoli worked best for this recipe.

One day, as I was cooking the Ginger Broccoli for my family, my daughter walked into the kitchen and asked what I was making.

"It's Ginger Broccoli, a recipe I learned from my friend Martha," I said with a smile.

My daughter's eyes lit up with excitement as she took a bite of the dish. She immediately declared it her new favorite vegetable dish and asked me to teach her how to make it.

And so, the tradition of making Ginger Broccoli was passed down to the next generation. My daughter learned how to make the dish, adding her own twist to the recipe. She shared it with her friends, who in turn shared it with their families.

Years passed, and the recipe for Ginger Broccoli became a staple in our family. It was served at holiday gatherings, birthday parties, and Sunday dinners. Each time I made the dish, I would think back to that rainy afternoon in Martha's kitchen and feel grateful for the gift of friendship and the joy of cooking.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, preparing a batch of Ginger Broccoli for my grandchildren, I can't help but smile. The recipe has become a cherished part of our family's culinary history, a reminder of the bond between friends and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones.

And as I take my first bite of the Ginger Broccoli, I am reminded of the power of a simple recipe to bring people together, to create memories, and to celebrate the love that we share around the dinner table.